HOLLYWOOD (WWJ) – “How far would you go to save your son?” That’s the question posed by the new movie “Snitch,” starring Dwayne Johnson as a father who goes out on a limb – a really BIG limb – in an effort to win his teenage son’s freedom from prison.

Eighteen-year-old Jason (Rafi Gavron) is sentenced to a mandatory minimum 10 years behind bars after he opens a package from a friend containing illicit drugs. What happens next is a cat-and-mouse game between successful businessman John Matthews (Johnson) and a gang of ruthless drug dealers. Hence the question: “How far would you go…”

“Snitch” is inspired by a PBS “Frontline” documentary “where people were given a choice between becoming informants and going to jail,” according to Matt Jackson, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of U.S. Production at Exclusive Media and the film’s producer.

And “Snitch’s” storyline could be any parent’s nightmare. You see the anguish in the face of Jason’s mother, Sylvie Collins (Melina Kanakaredes), who’s traumatized that her son has been arrested (and law enforcement won’t let her see him – let alone the thought of what could happen to him behind bars); and you see it in Matthew’s face when he learns what has happened to Jason. And Jason himself – just a regular kid who screwed up – learns the hard way what life is like in prison.

What I like about “Snitch” – really like – is how believable the characters are. While watching the film, as a parent, I couldn’t help put myself in Collins’ shoes. I also couldn’t help but ask myself if I could do what Matthews was doing to save his son. And, I’m sure that other parents who see the film will be doing the same thing. And that’s what helps make this movie so believable.

Terri’s pick: “Snitch” features another shining performance from Dwayne Johnson, but you’ll also be blown away by Barry Pepper’s performance as Agent Cooper. Loved it!